Afternoon explore Phobjikha valley, which is winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Also visit Black Necked Crane Information centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3,000m)

Day 10 : Gangtey / Punakha (85 km, approx 3 hours drive)

Morning visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Then drive to Punakha. Blessed with temperate climate and fed by Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still it is winter seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.

Later visit magnificent Punakha Dzong.

Then a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang also known as ‘Fertility Temple’.

Post lunch, drive to Bhutan’s modern capital town of Thimphu en route taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan and also the site of picturesque Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Then drive to Kuenselphodrang, to see the largest statue of Buddha in the country.

Afternoon visit to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.

Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 : Thimphu / Paro (55 km, approx 1.1/2 hour drive)

Morning after breakfast drive to Paro. Five miles from Thimphu, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country, built in 1627 which now houses the School of Buddhist studies.

Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes, visit to Ta Dzong (national museum) ; holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, Rinpung Dzong ; the fortress which has a long and interesting history, Kyichu Lhakhang ; one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.

Evening explore Paro city centre and local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 14 : Paro

After breakfast, excursion to famed Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries perched on 900m above Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest’.

Later in the afternoon visit a traditional farm house to experience Bhutanese rural lifestyle, culture & traditions.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 15 : Depart Paro

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.